Monday, 15 July 2013

o we are up and running! Thank
you again to everyone who helped us with our June issue of Your Gay Galway, we couldn’t have done it without you! It was a
team effort and we hope you enjoyed it.

This month we focus on the big
screen and check out what queer films are available at this year’s Galway
Film Fleadh. Our political writer looks at the recent goings on in
Russia, as President Putin passes legislation which will make it illegal to
even acknowledge the existence of Gay people to children. In culture &
society we look at the issue of alcoholism and ask why the Irish are so good at
ignoring it? We will also be looking at a very important recourse available to
the community, Jigsaw and we remind you why they are so vital and why they
deserve your support.

Once again I would like to thank
the writers and illustrator, you were all great, and sure I couldn’t have done
it without you! Special mention too, to William Fitzgerald from the Galway Film Fleadh
office, who compiled our list of queer films.

Feel free again to get involved
with the August edition, it will lead us up to Pride and it will also be the
last Your Gay Galway for the
foreseeable future. We would encourage anyone interested in writing a piece to
get in touch. Also, feedback is welcome and if you have any comment regarding
this issue, or any issue of Your Gay
Galway, let us know.

In
a time when Ireland is trying to make strides forward in LGBT rights it can
sometimes shock to hear stories from around the world. Many countries still
have primitive views about people from the Gay community and the hostility
directed towards them is indefensible. This month our political writer, Richard Burke, looks at recent
legislation which has come to bare in Russia and discuss the negative impact it
will have on the LGBT community.......

The
29th of June 2013 marked a dark day for the Russian LGBT community.
One hundred pro-gay rights protestors assembled in Moscow, only for what was
intended to be a peaceful protest descended into violence. The Moscow police
force arrested dozens of anti and pro gay rights activists for disturbing the
peace and the reason? President Putin signed a new law that criminalizes homosexual
‘propaganda’ aimed at minors. The anti-propaganda law introduces fines of up to
five thousand rubles (120 euros) for citizens who disseminate information aimed
at minors: ‘directed at forming non-traditional sexual setup.’

The fines
skyrocket to twenty thousand rubles (4,820 euros) if such information is disseminated
via the media or internet. The terminology of the official publication of the
bill is even more troubling. It suggests propaganda may cause a ‘distorted
understanding that gay and heterosexual relations are socially equivalent.’
Putin’s official statement entailed: ‘We are talking about protecting children
from the respective information.’

This bears an uncanny resemblance to Helen
Lovejoy from the Simpsons: ‘Won’t
someone think of the children?’ Attempts at levity aside, the knowledge that
two members of Pussy Riot are currently serving two year sentences in faraway
penal colonies suggests Communism is alive and well in Putin’s vision of
Russia. For Russia’s LGBT community the status quo will remain unchallenged. RB

A recent Pew poll determined that only 16% of Russians think
homosexuality should be accepted by society. And the acceptance of
homosexuality in Russia has decreased, not increased, since 2007.

Sieve in the flour and fold using a metal spoon
until all the flour is incorporated

Separate the mixture into smaller bowls and add a
few drops of the food colouring into each bowl (I used 7 different colours but
it works just as well with a smaller selection)

Add a teaspoon of each colour into each bun liner

Bake for 7-10 minutes

To test of they are done prick with a cocktail
stick and if it comes out clean they're done. Leave to cool on a wire rack

While the fairy cakes are cooling you can make the vanilla butter cream

Cream the butter in a bowl until soft

Gradually add the icing sugar and a few drops of
the vanilla essence

If the mixture is too stiff add the milk until
desired consistency is achieved

When the fairy cakes are completely cool take a
small amount of the butter cream and spread on with a knife. I like to add
hundreds and thousands to my rainbow fairy cakes as well just to give them that
little bit extra!

RH

Now
there’s a Thought......

The
immediate nature of our ever growing collection of communication technologies
means we are always connected to others; while we’re eating, while we’re
reading; even while we’re sleeping. We don’t take any quality time just to
ourselves anymore. If we can learn just one thing from the Buddhists, it’s the
importance of mindfulness – the awareness of one’s self in the present.Take the time to switch off, sit
down, close your eyes, feel your feet on the floor, take a deep breath and
listen to the sounds outside your window. You’ll be surprised at what floats by
your mind’s eye.

o
went one of many conversations I’ve had with straight friends over the years.
No offense meant of course, just a lack of understanding. What people don’t
seem to realise is that most little Gay girls don’t grow up day dreaming about
getting married in a church with the big dress and hundreds of people, because
ultimately it would have to be to a man.

I
just never understood the obsession of sketching out my wedding dress when I
was 11yrs old. I suppose I didn’t know why at the time, maybe I just thought I
wasn’t much of a drawer. My friends would all be there sitting in a circle
shading in bridesmaid dresses and finalising guest numbers. Meanwhile all I could
think was there were conquers outside that weren’t gona sort themselves.

But
maybe all this is about to change. I mean when I was growing up the idea of two
men or two women getting married was....well unlikely at best. Now we have
civil Partnerships and the possibility of Gay Marriage is finally on the
horizon.

In
the not too distance future we might have little Gay 11yrs old girls (and boys)
sketching along with their peers. Asking age old questions like...are 4
bridesmaids too many? Is chocolate cake too tacky? And more importantly, will
my Doc Martins clash with my dress?